Just another example of injustice

[jaminjim]

If this story is correct the guy wasn't even allowed to be behind the wheel, if he is found guilty of killing these people, it won't be the first time he took a life.

Bus Driver in NYC Crash Was Stopped Before

ALBANY, N.Y. -- The driver of a bus in a horrific weekend crash that killed 15 people in New York City should not have been able to get behind the wheel because of a driving suspension and several traffic violations, two state officials familiar with the accident probe told The Associated Press on Monday.

Ophadell Williams was ticketed in 1995 for speeding and twice for driving without a license, giving police the alias of Erik Williams, the officials said. Williams' driving privileges were suspended - meaning he couldn't legally drive in the state - after he failed to address the charges.

The revelations about Williams - a convicted felon with a 20-year-old manslaughter conviction -prompted Gov. Andrew Cuomo to launch a state investigation into how Williams was able to hold a valid commercial driver's license at the time of the crash early Saturday.

David Karp, AP
Emergency personnel investigate the scene of a bus crash on Interstate 95 in the Bronx borough of New York on Saturday. The death rose to 15 on Monday after an unidentified 70-year-old man died from his injuries.

Calls to Williams' Brooklyn home were unanswered Monday. A spokesman for the bus company that employed him, World Wide Travel, declined to comment, on the instructions of federal investigators.

A 15th person died Monday in the crash of the bus taking gamblers home from a few hours at the Mohegan Sun casino in Connecticut. The bus was sheared in half by a sign pole, killing and maiming people in a jumbled mess on the highway.

Investigators zeroed in on the 40-year-old Williams' record after his story that his tour bus was clipped by a tractor-trailer fell apart when passengers and witnesses said it never happened.

Investigators are piecing together his trail by matching Social Security numbers of traffic stops under different names, the officials said, speaking to the AP on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the investigation. Williams also had an incomplete log book, a requirement for commercial drivers, the officials said.
Related Stories
Bronx Church Looks to Prayer After Deadly Crash
Death Toll Rises to 15 in Casino Bus Crash
Deadly NY Bus Crash: Who's to Blame? [VIDEO]
Official: Riders Say NYC Bus Crash Driver Swerved

National Transportation Safety Board investigators said Monday they were looking at Williams' last 72 hours before the crash, checking the casinos' surveillance video.

"We want to know what he ate, what he drank and how much he slept," said NTSB vice chairman Christopher Hart.

Williams was convicted of crimes using two aliases. He served just more than two years for manslaughter for his role in a stabbing in 1990, according to state corrections records. He had initially been charged with second-degree murder.

Williams also served about three years, from 1998 to the middle of 2002, for grand larceny for removing an $83,905 check from a Police Athletic League fund, according to Linda Foglia, correctional services spokeswoman.

He also was arrested by New York City police on June 4, 2003, for driving with a suspended license and for possession of three police radios. In 1987, he was arrested on charges of trying to get on public transportation without paying.

There are no federal regulations that would prohibit states from issuing a license to a bus driver with a criminal record, said Duane DeBruyne, a spokesman for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Hart said the tractor-trailer and the bus had a black box-like engine control module that might have stored information. He said the module from the bus had been sent to the NTSB lab in Washington for downloading; the tractor-trailer was impounded.

He identified the owner of the tractor-trailer as Webster Trucking Company of Connecticut and Massachusetts, and said Webster was cooperating.

Hart said officials were bringing in extra equipment to inspect the left front side of the bus to check the driver's account.

State police have identified all but two of the victims. Officials said most were of Chinese descent but not all their ages were available.

Sai Ling, 57, lost both her parents, Kam and Yuk Ng, in the crash.

She said her father, a former cook, had gone to the casinos for many years, but her mother, a retired garment worker, had begun to accompany him in the last few months after her sister died. "He didn't want to see her crying every day," Ling said.

Ling said her parents had lived in the United States for 30 years. They left seven grandchildren.

"This bus driver took their lives. They were in good health. They expected to live another 10 years," Ling said.

Miguel Aquino, 55; Jose Garcia; Bing Fong Lee; Don Lee, 76; Biqun Mei; Ninh Tran; Jian Hua Wan, 40; May Lin Won; Ock Thling, 83; Yang T. Xian; and Michael Yeh, 65 also died in the crash.

The casino has a lounge for bus drivers with coffee, soda, snacks and televisions, Mohegan Sun President Jeff Hartmann said. He said he did not know whether Williams was in the lounge before the trip.

"We don't keep track of them. They're on their own," he told the AP. He said the casino was cooperating with police.

The bus was one of scores that travel daily between Chinatown and the casinos in southeastern Connecticut. The Mohegan Sun caters to Chinese-American gamblers and has estimated that one-fifth of its business comes from Asian spending. Hartmann said 44,000 buses visit the casino annually from around the region.

Williams, who was released from the hospital Sunday, was at home Monday but did not appear outside. His friend and neighbor, Francisco Rivera, said Williams was a safe driver.

"I think something else happened. ... I've been in a car with him several times and I've never seen him drive crazy ... or swerve," Rivera said.

He said there was a death in Williams' family this year and a younger brother was lost "to the streets."

"And now this happens to him. Everybody's just messed up in the family right now," he said.

AP Sources: Bus Driver in NYC Crash Was Stopped Before

 

[greg334]

And?

Many here don't want to see licensing standards that would prevent someone who has a poor driving record to be able to drive a truck.

Got a DUI?

No truck drivn' for you - ever

Run over some kids while being distracted by your girlfriend?

No truck drivn' for you - ever

Maybe it is time to have stricter licensing regulations, like a set amount of speeding points and no CDL ever again or better training.

 

[goslow]

I am with Greg on this. We need to tighten are CDL standards.

Now I am going to get some hate on this, but this is my view. ALL trucks, bus, RV, towing vehicle with a GVW of 10k or more should be governed at a maximum of 65mph. That should also be the maximum speed on any road way. There really is no reason to drive over 60-62 mph you are just wasting fuel above that and decreasing your road view and increasing your stopping distance.

As for vehicles under 10k max speed of 72 with a max road speed of 70. Is there really any reason to run 75?? I have yet to find one and I do most of my driving in the MST time zone where 75 is the highway speed. To much can happen to fast at any speed but above 60 you are really asking for it.

Man I sound like a old crumuggin. And NO I am not a lib. I am A hardcore republican. I just think that Highway safety really needs a overhaul. I have seen allot of stupidity on the roadway and have seen other people killed because of someone else's stupidity.

Heck just 2 weeks ago I had a bulk tanker roll over right in front of me in TX. on a hwy 349 south of McCamey. I was doing 60 in the 65 he went around me and within 2 miles he took a curve to fast and rolled it over. By the way the truck speed limit is 65 on this 2 lane road and 75 for cars. I was first on the scene and stopped and helped him out of his truck and called the PD. Driver was alright but the truck and trailer where totaled.

 

[Dabus1952]

The truth is if the guy had worked for our bus compaines,he wouldnt have been driving. We had very strick rules and back ground checks including finger printing , past jobs ,credit history, Etc .A persons history ussaly is a tell tale sign. I agree some people change for the better.Except not everyone.The truth is I doubt they will find a truck was at fault,I think he was falling a sleep and used a truck to place the blame on.In the mean time several families have loss love ones and the motor coach industry gets another black eye.

 

[OntarioVanMan]

The truth is if the guy had worked for our bus compaines,he wouldnt have been driving. We had very strick rules and back ground checks including finger printing , past jobs ,credit history, Etc .A persons history ussaly is a tell tale sign. I agree some people change for the better.Except not everyone.The truth is I doubt they will find a truck was at fault,I think he was falling a sleep and used a truck to place the blame on.In the mean time several families have loss love ones and the motor coach industry gets another black eye.

I imagine there are a few PRO bus drivers just winching at what is happening right now...

 

[Moot]

I am with Greg on this. We need to tighten are CDL standards.

I remember when when the Commercial Drivers License became law. It's purpose was to improve highway safety by:

Setting minimum standards for drivers of trucks and buses.

Removing unsafe and unqualified drivers.

Eliminate and make illegal the possession of multiple drivers licenses.

And a whole slew of other really good stuff.

 

[xiggi]

And?

Many here don't want to see licensing standards that would prevent someone who has a poor driving record to be able to drive a truck.

Got a DUI?

No truck drivn' for you - ever

Run over some kids while being distracted by your girlfriend?

No truck drivn' for you - ever

Maybe it is time to have stricter licensing regulations, like a set amount of speeding points and no CDL ever again or better training.

I agree to an extent but to punish someone who is 50 because they made a stupid mistake at 21 and got a dui is going a little far in my book.

 

[RoadTime]

Very sad revelations. I'm sure this is not an isolated event either. I hate increasing regulations, but there needs to be a better base line to prevent people like this from being behind the wheel. Of course I also thing that all drivers should have a CDL or at least some increased safety training before being set free on the open roads

 

[DannyD]

Hate?? On the speed limit issue I 100% agree w/ you. I used to think that trucks & cars should have the same speed limit. Now that I've had time to see how it works w/ equal speed limits, I'm in favor of a lower speed for trucks. At least in the major cities. I'd be fine w/ the same speed in rural areas.

The main thing I've noticed is that a truck in the left lane going 70 trying to pass a truck in the right lane going 69 takes miles. Cars get backed up. Right or wrong, they then often get impatient & they then get aggressive darting in/out trying to pass. I'm not blaming this all on the trucker here. Although, the trucker in the right could slow down & let the other one pass. That just seems like common sense.

Another thing I've noticed is that a truck will come up on my tail. I drive 67 in most cases. If it can't pass me because of traffic in the left, it'll ride my backside. I speed up in those cases to create some space. I'm not sure what other people do, but I can see where those situations are a recipe for disaster since that truck can't stop nearly as fast as a 4 wheeler can.

There's a few other things too. Those are the top reasons that I'd be fine for a lower truck speed limit.

As for cars speed limits. I also mostly agree. A lot of our fuel issues could be resolved if we went back to a 55MPH speed limit. Deaths are up 4000 per year on average (not sure of the exact #, the idea is right though) since the limit went up to 70. While going back to 55 might be a bit to far in the other direction, a limit of 60 or 65 would be fine.

I'm not sure of the HOS rules, as I've never dealt w/ em. To make up for the lower speed limit of the trucks, I'd allow em to drive longer per day to make up the distance they'd lose. I'm not sure what the exact extra time would be.

I am with Greg on this. We need to tighten are CDL standards.

Now I am going to get some hate on this, but this is my view. ALL trucks, bus, RV, towing vehicle with a GVW of 10k or more should be governed at a maximum of 65mph. That should also be the maximum speed on any road way. There really is no reason to drive over 60-62 mph you are just wasting fuel above that and decreasing your road view and increasing your stopping distance.

As for vehicles under 10k max speed of 72 with a max road speed of 70. Is there really any reason to run 75?? I have yet to find one and I do most of my driving in the MST time zone where 75 is the highway speed. To much can happen to fast at any speed but above 60 you are really asking for it.

Man I sound like a old crumuggin. And NO I am not a lib. I am A hardcore republican. I just think that Highway safety really needs a overhaul. I have seen allot of stupidity on the roadway and have seen other people killed because of someone else's stupidity.

Heck just 2 weeks ago I had a bulk tanker roll over right in front of me in TX. on a hwy 349 south of McCamey. I was doing 60 in the 65 he went around me and within 2 miles he took a curve to fast and rolled it over. By the way the truck speed limit is 65 on this 2 lane road and 75 for cars. I was first on the scene and stopped and helped him out of his truck and called the PD. Driver was alright but the truck and trailer where totaled.

 

[DannyD]

Also in reply to Goslow. I think busses, vehicles w/ trailers, & RVs should have lower speed limits too. In fairness to the RVs, most of the RV drivers I've seen actually do seem to go a bit slower on their own. Maybe because it's their $$ invested. Some of the bus drivers that have flown by me though, Holy Chyt.

 

[greg334]

I agree to an extent but to punish someone who is 50 because they made a stupid mistake at 21 and got a dui is going a little far in my book.

Don't be offended and I don't mean to go off on you specifically but I am so ******* tired of hearing this excuse.

If you are given a license to drive, you need to be held accountable for your actions and you know better and if you are 21 when you got caught, then there is even less of an excuse.

sh*t has consequences, life isn't fair and those who screw up in life shouldn't always get second chances with some things.

The problem with this idea that because someone is young, it allows them to make mistakes that may hurt or kill some one placates the need to be responsible in the first place. It doesn't matter if the guy is 50 or 20, the damage done isn't quantified by the age of the driver.

 

[goslow]

I'm not sure of the HOS rules, as I've never dealt w/ em. To make up for the lower speed limit of the trucks, I'd allow em to drive longer per day to make up the distance they'd lose. I'm not sure what the exact extra time would be.

There are plenty of company and lease drivers only running 58-64mph and making money with the way the HOS is set up know.

The only changes to the HOS I like to see is them to get rid of the 14 hour clock, and let us go back to split logging the way we us to. It is hard for a solo driver to get that required uninterrupted 8 in the bunk when doing a current split. I have no problem with the 11/10 drive/sleep. Even with all that being said I still make good money following the current HOS.

Drive safe and profitable at all times..

 

[goslow]

Another thing I've noticed is that a truck will come up on my tail. I drive 67 in most cases. If it can't pass me because of traffic in the left, it'll ride my backside. I speed up in those cases to create some space. I'm not sure what other people do, but I can see where those situations are a recipe for disaster since that truck can't stop nearly as fast as a 4 wheeler can.

You would not believe how often this happens at 60. I usually get on the cb and say something to the professional on my but. Most of the time if they ask why I am moving so slow. I tell them there is a taddle-tail on the truck and the freight I am hauling is sensitive and if I break 62mph I can lose the contract. 99% of them will back off and then go around. As for the other 1% they will continue to tail then attempt to pass on the next merge ramp (gotta love that one) or get even closer on my bumper and flash there lights and complain on the cb just like a child. At this point I usually slow down or get off the next ramp let them by then get back on. I don't to be in a wreck with some aggressive chyt head.

 

[Bruno]

Jan 7th we had all of our trucks turned down to 65 mph. So I agree with you on turning trucks down. It would be nice if the left lane was just for trucks. But that would never happen.

 

[xiggi]

Don't be offended and I don't mean to go off on you specifically but I am so ******* tired of hearing this excuse.

If you are given a license to drive, you need to be held accountable for your actions and you know better and if you are 21 when you got caught, then there is even less of an excuse.

sh*t has consequences, life isn't fair and those who screw up in life shouldn't always get second chances with some things.

The problem with this idea that because someone is young, it allows them to make mistakes that may hurt or kill some one placates the need to be responsible in the first place. It doesn't matter if the guy is 50 or 20, the damage done isn't quantified by the age of the driver.

No offense taken at all, it's ok to be wrong about things.

 

[zippydo]

Don't be offended and I don't mean to go off on you specifically but I am so ******* tired of hearing this excuse.

If you are given a license to drive, you need to be held accountable for your actions and you know better and if you are 21 when you got caught, then there is even less of an excuse.

sh*t has consequences, life isn't fair and those who screw up in life shouldn't always get second chances with some things.

The problem with this idea that because someone is young, it allows them to make mistakes that may hurt or kill some one placates the need to be responsible in the first place. It doesn't matter if the guy is 50 or 20, the damage done isn't quantified by the age of the driver.

I have to agree with Greg on this one 100%. And very well said too Greg!

 

[moose]

Here we go again,
in a search for a risk free society we will be willing to give more of our freedom away.
especially if those new regulations will not effect us personally .

if you reread the OP,you can see that this was a 20 years old well planed crime. the guy got himself arrested for boarding a bus without a ticket ,and decided to get even. he got to be a bus driver ,and crashed a fully loaded bus...

 

[moose]

You would not believe how often this happens at 60. I usually get on the cb and say something to the professional on my but. Most of the time if they ask why I am moving so slow. I tell them there is a taddle-tail on the truck and the freight I am hauling is sensitive and if I break 62mph I can lose the contract. 99% of them will back off and then go around. As for the other 1% they will continue to tail then attempt to pass on the next merge ramp (gotta love that one) or get even closer on my bumper and flash there lights and complain on the cb just like a child. At this point I usually slow down or get off the next ramp let them by then get back on. I don't to be in a wreck with some aggressive chyt head.

nothing personal here. but.
back in 2007 i took a safety class regarding aggressive driving.
I'd recommend that class for all. (just Google it). i can get the instructor to give one at the upcoming expo !
was an eye opener . the description above is almost a text book example of what NOT to do. it is not MY job to change other drivers behavior. i can only change the way i am driving. i donot communicate with offenders, and follow the SMITH system when presented with an road hazard. defensive driving start with MY actions, not others. same goe's when recognizing a drunk driver or destructed driver. the SMITH system will save ya.
I'v being doing 59Mph for over 750,000 mil now,and can only recall one incident of aggressive driver behind my rig. which i donot contribute to my speed.
i think that mandatory speed limiters ,and lane controls, will reduce road safety.
think the roads are dangerous now ? ,the combination of speed limiters and Elogs will prevail some of the most aggressive 'professional drivers' ever.

 

[goslow]

So what am I doing wrong?? Driving safely at 60 or letting the driver know I can only run 60?? I am not a aggressive driver and when I get the 1% that tail,flash lights, attempt to pass on the merge lane I slow down or get off at the next ramp as I stated above.

I also let them ride my bumper for a mile or two before I let them know I can only run 60. Most of the time they have already gone around me. I may only have to say something once a day on the cb. Sometimes I don't say anything as no one rides my bumper more than a mile or two.

You say this has only happened once?? you are lucky, this happens atleast 20 times a day or more when I am driving. It is like every other truck/car is not paying attention when coming up on me, then they back out of it and go around. I stated only 1% are super aggressive and do not back-off. I am not rude on the cb I just let them know that I can't go any fast and that if they want around me I will back out of it, so they can get around. Then I explain if they ask why I am going so slow I tell them what I listed in the other post.

I will say that when I drove a big truck this did rarely happen, but ever since driving this van/trailer it happens allot!!!

 

[OntarioVanMan]

So what am I doing wrong?? Driving safely at 60 or letting the driver know I can only run 60?? I am not a aggressive driver and when I get the 1% that tail,flash lights, attempt to pass on the merge lane I slow down or get off at the next ramp as I stated above.

I also let them ride my bumper for a mile or two before I let them know I can only run 60. Most of the time they have already gone around me. I may only have to say something once a day on the cb. Sometimes I don't say anything as no one rides my bumper more than a mile or two.

You say this has only happened once?? you are lucky, this happens atleast 20 times a day or more when I am driving. It is like every other truck/car is not paying attention when coming up on me, then they back out of it and go around. I stated only 1% are super aggressive and do not back-off. I am not rude on the cb I just let them know that I can't go any fast and that if they want around me I will back out of it, so they can get around. Then I explain if they ask why I am going so slow I tell them what I listed in the other post.

I will say that when I drove a big truck this did rarely happen, but ever since driving this van/trailer it happens allot!!!

I can see nothing wrong....they can ride my tail all day...screw them...it is called the granny lane for a reason....and called a passing lane for a reason...